JP2012143883A - Printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printer that can obtain a good image, without being affected by the density or pattern of a printing image, and surrounding environment upon printing.SOLUTION: The printer carries out printing by thermal transfer of a plurality of coloring materials of an ink sheet and a surface coating agent to recording paper using a thermal head. The printer includes: a peeling member arranged at the rear stage of the thermal head and peeling off the ink sheet from the recording paper after the thermal transfer; and a moving device for moving the peeling member in a predetermined direction.

Description

  The present invention relates to a printer apparatus that prints a plurality of colorants and a surface coating agent of an ink sheet by thermal transfer onto a recording sheet using a thermal head, and more particularly to a printer apparatus characterized by an ink sheet conveyance structure.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a printer device that prints by thermal transfer is provided with a peeling member for peeling an ink sheet and a recording paper that are in a state of being attached to each other after thermal transfer. The peeling member is provided as a starting point when peeling the ink sheet from the recording paper and for carrying the ink sheet stably.

  When the ink sheet and the recording paper are peeled off by the peeling member, if the ink sheet cannot be peeled by pulling with equal force in the entire width direction of the ink sheet, the print quality will be adversely affected, and wrinkles, It causes image quality defects such as drag lines. In addition, if the timing and angle for peeling are not appropriate, sticking and blurring may occur.

  Conventionally, there is a roller type in which the shape of the peeling member is devised to reduce the load caused by the friction between the peeling member and the ink sheet (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Further, there is a peeling member that is curved in a crown shape in order to disperse the tension of the ink sheet and suppress wrinkles (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

JP 2002-144614 A (FIG. 1) JP 2010-105243 A (FIG. 1)

  A conventional peeling member is fixed to a thermal head, and the fixing position thereof is adjusted so as to be optimal in the most general printing state (no image quality defect after printing). However, in reality, the optimum position of the peeling member differs depending on uncertain factors such as image information such as the density and pattern of the image to be printed and the ambient environment at the time of printing such as temperature and humidity. In some cases, the above-described image quality failure may occur due to various factors.

  The present invention has been made to solve these problems, and provides a printer device capable of obtaining a good image quality without being affected by the density and pattern of an image to be printed and the surrounding environment at the time of printing. For the purpose.

  In order to solve the above problems, a printer apparatus according to the present invention is a printer apparatus that performs printing by thermally transferring a plurality of colorants and a surface coating agent of an ink sheet onto a recording sheet by a thermal head, and is subsequent to the thermal head. And a peeling member that peels the ink sheet and the recording paper after thermal transfer, and a moving unit that moves the peeling member in a predetermined direction.

  According to the present invention, the image forming apparatus includes a peeling member that is disposed downstream of the thermal head and peels the ink sheet and the recording paper after thermal transfer, and a moving unit that moves the peeling member in a predetermined direction. It is possible to obtain a good image quality without being affected by the surrounding environment during pattern printing.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printer device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printer device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows control of the position of the peeling member by Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the front-end | tip shape of the peeling member by Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram of the printer apparatus by Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram of the printer apparatus by a prerequisite technique. It is a schematic block diagram of the printer apparatus by a prerequisite technique.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

<Prerequisite technology>
First, the technology that is the premise of the present invention will be described.

  6 and 7 are schematic configuration diagrams of a printer apparatus according to the base technology. 6 shows how the ink sheet 2 and the recording paper 6 are conveyed during printing, and FIG. 7 shows how the recording paper 6 is conveyed in the opposite direction to that of FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the printer apparatus according to the base technology includes a thermal head 1, a supply-side ink bobbin 8 that supplies the ink sheet 2 to the thermal head 1, and a winding-side ink bobbin that winds up the ink sheet 2. 7, a platen roller 3 capable of pressing / separating the ink sheet 2 and the recording paper 6 against the thermal head 1, a capstan roller 4 driven to rotate by a motor 9, and the recording paper 6 on the capstan roller 4. A pinch roller 5 that is pressed and sandwiched, and a peeling member 10 that peels the ink sheet 2 and the recording paper 6 are provided. The recording paper 6 is conveyed while being sandwiched between a capstan roller 4 and a pinch roller 5 that are rotationally driven by a motor 9. The peeling member 10 is fixedly provided on the rear stage side of the thermal head 1.

  As shown in FIG. 6, at the time of printing, the ink sheet 2 is supplied from the supply-side ink bobbin 8 toward the thermal head 1 (in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 6), and the recording paper 6 is also directed toward the thermal head 1 (FIG. 6). 6). The platen roller 3 presses the thermal head 1 in a state where the conveyed ink sheet 2 and recording paper 6 are superimposed (in the direction of the white arrow in FIG. 6). While the platen roller 3 is pressed against the thermal head 1, the colorant or surface coating agent (for example, the first colorant here) of the ink sheet 2 is thermally transferred to the recording paper 6 by the heat generated by the thermal head 1. The recording paper 6 is conveyed between the capstan roller 4 and the pinch roller 5, and the ink sheet 2 is taken up by the take-up side ink bobbin 7. At this time, the ink sheet 2 and the recording paper 6 are peeled off by the peeling member 10.

  When the printing of the first color material is completed, the second color material is printed. Before printing the second colorant, as shown in FIG. 7, the platen roller 3 is separated from the thermal head 1 (in the direction of the white arrow in FIG. 7), and the recording paper 6 is placed in the opposite direction to FIG. Transport (arrow direction in FIG. 7). After that, as shown in FIG. 6 again, the platen roller 3 presses the thermal head 1 in a state where the ink sheet 2 and the recording paper 6 are overlapped, whereby the second color material is printed. Thereafter, in the same manner as described above, printing of the third and subsequent colors and the surface coating agent is performed.

  Immediately after the thermal transfer is performed by the thermal head 1, the colorant cooled to air and returned to a solid is fixed to both the ink sheet 2 and the recording paper 6, and the ink sheet 2 and the recording paper 6 are adhered to each other. It is in a state attached. After the thermal transfer by the thermal head 1, the recording paper 6 passes between the capstan roller 4 and the pinch roller 5 and is conveyed toward a paper discharge port (not shown), and the ink sheet 2 is taken up on the take-up side ink bobbin 7. Rolled up. At that time, the recording paper 6 and the ink sheet 2 are separated by the peeling member 10 and then conveyed to different paths.

  As described above, the peeling member 10 is provided as a starting point when the ink sheet 2 and the recording paper 6 are peeled, and for carrying the ink sheet 2 stably. The peeling member 10 according to the base technology is fixed to the thermal head 1, and the fixing position thereof is adjusted so as to be optimal in the most general printing state (no image quality defect after printing). However, in practice, the optimum position of the peeling member 10 varies depending on uncertain factors such as the density and pattern of the image to be printed, the ambient environment at the time of printing such as temperature and humidity, and so on, depending on these uncertain factors at the time of printing. In some cases, poor image quality occurs.

  An object of the present invention is to obtain a good image quality without being affected by the density and pattern of an image to be printed and the surrounding environment at the time of printing. The details will be described below.

<Embodiment 1>
1 and 2 are schematic configuration diagrams of a printer apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows a state in which the ink sheet 2 and the recording paper 6 are conveyed during printing, and FIG. 2 shows a state in which the recording paper 6 is conveyed in the direction opposite to that in FIG. In the first embodiment, based on the density and pattern of an image to be printed and the surrounding environment at the time of printing, the surface facing the ink sheet 2 of the peeling member 10 is close / separated so as to be parallel to the ink sheet 2. It is characterized in that it can be moved in the direction of movement (the vertical direction in FIGS. 1 and 2, hereinafter also referred to as the vertical direction).

  As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the printer apparatus according to the first embodiment is disposed at the subsequent stage of the thermal head 1 and peels off the ink sheet 2 and the recording paper 6 after thermal transfer, and the peeling member 10. And a motor 12 that rotationally drives the cam 11. The cam 11 and the motor 12 are configured as moving means for moving the peeling member 10 in the vertical direction. Moreover, the peeling member 10 is urged | biased and contacted to the direction of the cam 11, and the peeling member 10 moves to an up-down direction according to the rotational motion of the cam 11. FIG. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the printer according to the base technology shown in FIGS.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating control of the position of the peeling member 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, prior to printing, the printer apparatus according to the first embodiment acquires image information (image data) such as a pattern and density data of an image to be printed from the image data storage memory unit 13, and The temperature measured by the sensor 14 is acquired as temperature information of the surrounding environment at the time of printing, the humidity measured by the humidity sensor 15 is acquired as humidity information of the surrounding environment at the time of printing, and is transmitted to the peeling member position calculation unit 16. To do. The peeling member position calculation unit 16 calculates the optimum position of the peeling member 10 as peeling member position information based on the transmitted image information, temperature information, and humidity information. As a calculation method, it may be calculated by a calculation formula or may be calculated using a database such as a random number table. The peeling member position information calculated by the peeling member position calculation unit 16 is transmitted to the peeling member position control unit 17, and the peeling member position control unit 17 controls driving of the motor 12 based on the peeling member position information. The cam 11 moves the peeling member 10 by the controlled drive of the motor 12. At this time, the peeling member 10 can move in the direction of approaching / separating so that the surface facing the ink sheet 2 is parallel to the ink sheet 2, and is determined by the calculation of the peeling member position calculation unit 16. Move to the desired position.

  After the position of the peeling member 10 is determined as described above, printing on the recording paper 6 is started. The printing method is the same as the printing method based on the above-mentioned prerequisite technology. As shown in FIG. 1, during printing, the ink sheet 2 is supplied from the supply-side ink bobbin 8 toward the thermal head 1 (in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 1), and the recording paper 6 is also directed toward the thermal head 1 (FIG. 1). 1 (in the direction of arrow 1). The platen roller 3 presses the thermal head 1 in a state in which the conveyed ink sheet 2 and recording paper 6 are superimposed (in the direction of the white arrow in FIG. 1). While the platen roller 3 is pressed against the thermal head 1, the colorant or surface coating agent (for example, the first colorant here) of the ink sheet 2 is thermally transferred to the recording paper 6 by the heat generated by the thermal head 1. The recording paper 6 is conveyed between the capstan roller 4 and the pinch roller 5, and the ink sheet 2 is taken up by the take-up side ink bobbin 7. At this time, the ink sheet 2 and the recording paper 6 are peeled off by the peeling member 10.

  When the printing of the first color material is completed, the second color material is printed. Before printing the second colorant, as shown in FIG. 2, the platen roller 3 is separated from the thermal head 1 (in the direction of the white arrow in FIG. 2), and the recording paper 6 is placed in the direction opposite to that in FIG. Transport (in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 2). After that, as shown in FIG. 1 again, the platen roller 3 presses the thermal head 1 in a state where the ink sheet 2 and the recording paper 6 are overlapped, thereby printing the second colorant. Thereafter, in the same manner as described above, printing of the third and subsequent colors and the surface coating agent is performed.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the tip shape of the peeling member 10 according to the first embodiment. The tip of the peeling member 10 shown in FIG. 4 is a portion where the peeling member 10 and the ink sheet 2 are in contact with each other. The tip shape of the peeling member 10 may be a round shape as shown in FIG. 4A, or may be a rotating shape having a roller as shown in FIG.

  From the above, in the printer device according to the first embodiment, the surface of the peeling member 10 facing the ink sheet 2 with respect to the ink sheet 2 based on the density and pattern of the image to be printed and the surrounding environment at the time of printing. Since the ink sheet 2 and the recording paper 6 can be moved in the direction of approaching / separating so as to be parallel (vertical direction), the angle at which the ink sheet 2 and the recording paper 6 are peeled can be freely changed. It is possible to obtain a good image quality without being affected by the surrounding environment during pattern printing.

<Embodiment 2>
Embodiment 2 of the present invention is characterized in that each of both end portions of the peeling member 10 facing the ink sheet 2 can move in a direction approaching / separating from the ink sheet 2. Other configurations and operations are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted here.

  In the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the peeling member 10 is moved closer by a moving unit including a cam 11 and a motor 12 so that the surface facing the ink sheet 2 is parallel to the ink sheet 2. It was movable in the direction of separating (the vertical direction in FIGS. 1 and 2, hereinafter also referred to as the vertical direction).

  On the other hand, in the second embodiment, moving means including a cam 11 and a motor 12 are arranged at both ends of the peeling member 10 facing the ink sheet 2. By disposing the moving means at both ends of the peeling member 10, it is possible to move each of the both ends to an optimal position, and an optimal position of the peeling member 10 can be realized as compared with the first embodiment.

  From the above, in the printer device according to the second embodiment, each of the opposite end portions of the peeling member 10 facing the ink sheet 2 is based on the density and pattern of the image to be printed and the surrounding environment at the time of printing. Since the ink sheet 2 and the recording paper 6 can be peeled off, the angle at which the ink sheet 2 and the recording paper 6 are peeled can be freely changed. Good image quality can be obtained without being affected by the environment.

<Embodiment 3>
FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printer apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In Embodiment 3 of the present invention, the peeling member 10 is movable in the direction of approaching / separating so that the surface facing the ink sheet 2 is parallel to the ink sheet 2, and is It is possible to move in the direction of approaching / separating. Other configurations and operations are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted here.

  In the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the peeling member 10 is moved closer / separated by moving means including a cam 11 and a motor 12 so that the surface facing the ink sheet 2 is parallel to the ink sheet 2. In addition to being movable in the direction (vertical direction) and moving in the direction of approaching / separating from the thermal head 1 (horizontal direction) by a moving means (not shown), the peeling member 10 is more optimal than in the first embodiment. Can be realized. The moving means (not shown) for moving the peeling member 10 in the left-right direction is such that, for example, a plate (not shown) on which the peeling member 10, the cam 11, and the motor 12 are placed moves in the left-right direction. It may be.

  From the above, in the printer device according to the third embodiment, the surface of the peeling member 10 that faces the ink sheet 2 is opposite to the ink sheet 2 based on the density and pattern of the image to be printed and the surrounding environment at the time of printing. The angle at which the ink sheet 2 and the recording paper 6 are peeled off because the ink sheet 2 and the recording paper 6 can be moved in the direction of approaching / separating so as to be parallel and the direction of approaching / separating from the thermal head 1. Can be freely changed, and it is possible to obtain a good image quality without being affected by the density and pattern of the image to be printed and the surrounding environment at the time of printing. Further, the distance from the thermal head 1 can be arbitrarily changed by moving the peeling member 10 in the left-right direction.

  In the third embodiment, in addition to the movement of the peeling member 10 according to the first embodiment (movable in the vertical direction so that the surface of the peeling member 10 facing the ink sheet 2 is parallel to the ink sheet 2). Although the movement in the left-right direction is possible, in addition to the movement of the peeling member 10 according to the second embodiment (each end of the peeling member 10 can be arbitrarily moved in the vertical direction), the movement in the left-right direction is possible. Also good. In this case, the position of the peeling member 10 that is more optimal than that of the second embodiment can be realized.

  1 thermal head, 2 ink sheet, 3 platen roller, 4 capstan roller, 5 pinch roller, 6 recording paper, 7 take-up side ink bobbin, 8 supply side ink bobbin, 9 motor, 10 peeling member, 11 cam, 12 motor , 13 Image data storage memory unit, 14 Temperature sensor, 15 Humidity sensor, 16 Peeling member position calculation unit, 17 Peeling member position control unit.

Claims (6)

A printer device that performs printing by thermally transferring a plurality of colorants and a surface coating agent of an ink sheet to a recording paper by a thermal head,
A peeling member that is disposed downstream of the thermal head and peels off the ink sheet and the recording paper after the thermal transfer;
Moving means for moving the peeling member in a predetermined direction;
A printer apparatus comprising: An image data storage memory unit for storing image data including a pattern and density of an image to be printed;
The printer apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the position of the peeling member at the time of printing is determined based on the image data. A temperature sensor that measures the temperature during printing as temperature information;
A humidity sensor that measures humidity at the time of printing as humidity information;
Further comprising
The printer apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the position of the peeling member at the time of printing is determined based on the temperature information and the humidity information.   The said peeling member is movable in the direction which adjoins / separates so that the surface facing the said ink sheet may become parallel with respect to the said ink sheet, It is any one of Claim 1 thru | or 3 characterized by the above-mentioned. Printer device.   5. The peeling member according to claim 1, wherein each of both end portions facing the ink sheet is movable in a direction approaching / separating from the ink sheet. 6. Printer device.   The printer apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the peeling member is movable in a direction of approaching / separating from the thermal head.

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